CAMP PENDLETON  Marines will be hitting the beach on base to show their prowess in the water. But they won’t be in uniform; they’ll be wearing wetsuits. Several dozen troops are set to compete in the Commanding General’s Cup Surf Tournament June 11 at San Onofre Beach.

The tournament, which is open to active duty military at Camp Pendleton, includes three divisions, long board, short board and body board. Since it is part of the Commanding General’s Cup intramural series, participants earn points for their unit. The units with the most points, based on size and participation, win a trophy and cash prize from $250 to $2,000, sponsored by USAA. The contest is expected to draw 40 to 50 surfers, including injured troops from the Wounded Warrior Battalion.

“The level of experience varies from first time surfers to semi-pros,” said Theresa Flores, tournament director.

By popular demand, the contest is being held for the second year in a row at San Onofre, at the northern end of the base. For the several years it had been held at Del Mar Beach on the southern end.

“The waves break better and its more versatile at San Onofre. There are small rolling waves to reef breakers,” said Master Sgt. Eric Franklin, who formerly coached the base’s varsity surf team and organized a surfing club on base. Franklin has been a top surfer at base competitions and says surfing helps him find balance amid the pressures of work.

Although the club doesn’t meet formally, Franklin still encourages comrades to try the waves.

One of the big draws of the Commanding General’s surf contest is that the top surfers in short board and long board earn a spot in the Red Bull Rivals Surf Competition coming up July 13 at Del Mar Beach.

The night time surfing event is held around dusk to dark with the Del Mar Jetties lit up.

“It’s an extreme surfing experience,” Flores said. Unlike a traditional contest, the Red Bull event is a team competition. Two teams will be formed, each made up of 15 Camp Pendleton active duty service members based on which boot camp they attended. The competition is an ongoing rivalry within the Marine Corps between West Coast and East Coast Marines. Winners of the competition receive Red Bull Surf Boards and other prizes.

The competition is an ongoing rivalry within the Marine Corps between West Coast and East Coast Marines. Winners of the competition receive Red Bull Surf Boards and other prizes.

“It’s a brotherly rivalry,” said Franklin, who took first place in the Red Bull contest two years ago, helping the West Coast victory.

What: Commanding General’s Cup Surf Contest

When: June 11; registration begins at 6 a.m. with the tournament starting at 6:45 a.m.

Where: San Onofre Beach

Cost: No entry fee. Contest is open only to active duty Camp Pendleton troops.